Here's in the info from the
NBC disability awareness Web page. It includes a video with Meredith Vieira (pictured), whose husband has MS.
"If all you see is the disability...you might be missing a lot. People with disabilities are just people." - Meredith Vieira, NBC News
What You Should Know...
The federal government defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities." According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 49.7 million Americans have a disability, which includes people of all ages. About two-thirds of these individuals have a severe disability. People with disabilities represent all races, colors and creeds.
Disability Rights
When the 1973 Rehabilitation Act was passed, it was the first time in history that the law protected the rights of people with disabilities. Two years later, in 1975, another law was passed to ensure equal access to public education for students with disabilities. Despite changes in rehabilitation and education law, people with disabilities could be denied entrance to public places before the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This landmark federal anti-discrimination law ensures equal access to employment opportunities and public accommodations for people with disabilities. With this act, Congress identified the full participation, inclusion and integration of people with disabilities into society as a national goal. However, the fight for disability rights is far from over. Advocates for people with disabilities promote bipartisan legislation and policy that will further the ability of people with disabilities to live independently, contribute to society, pursue meaningful careers and enjoy self-determination. After all, disability rights are civil rights.
Discrimination
People with disabilities often suffer from being labeled by their disability and are faced with prejudice. Since people with disabilities are sometimes separated from the mainstream due to their special needs they may also struggle with inclusion. Others often make assumptions and judge people with disabilities without knowing the facts or getting to know the person. Suffering from a disability does not make a person inferior; all people deserve respect.
Overcoming Attitudinal Barriers
As children, we are curious - pointing to anything unfamiliar and asking questions. We have few, if any, inhibitions. As adults, we learn to censor our queries, feeling uncomfortable with anything unfamiliar. It is human nature and not unusual, therefore, to be concerned about interactions with people who use wheelchairs, who are blind, who are deaf, or whom we find difficult to understand. We may be concerned that we will say the wrong thing, ask an inappropriate question, or unintentionally offend. We do not want to appear uninformed or insensitive. We might feel intimidated by communicating with someone with a disability because we are unaware of appropriate etiquette. However, communicating with a person with a disability is quite easy; just approach them with respect and courtesy.
What you can do...
Positive language empowers those with disabilities. Avoid generalizations and offensive labels when speaking to or about people with disabilities.
The person comes first
When writing or speaking about people with disabilities, it is important to put the person first - to focus on the person, not the disability. It is important to use words that reflect individuality, equality or dignity - for example: the person who is blind, the child who is deaf, the individual with a disability.
Communicate with respect and courtesy
When speaking with a person with a disability, talk directly to the person, not his or her companion. Extend common courtesies such as shaking hands and handing over business cards.
Listen - don't pretend
If the person has a speech impairment and you are having difficulty understanding what he or she is saying, ask the individual to repeat, rather than pretending to understand.
Wait for permission
If you believe that an individual with a disability needs assistance, go ahead and offer the assistance - but wait for your offer to be accepted before you try to help.
Be respectful
If you wish to get the attention of a person who is deaf, tap the person gently on the shoulder or arm. Look directly at the person, and speak clearly in a normal tone of voice.
Do not distract service animals
If you encounter an individual with a service animal, such as a dog, please do not touch or distract the animal. Service animals are working, and it breaks their training to interact with others when they are on duty.
Wheelchair etiquette
If you are having a conversation with a person who uses a wheelchair, if at all possible put yourself at the person's eye level. Never lean on or touch a person's wheelchair or any other assistive device. A person's assistive device is part of the person's personal space, and it is jarring or disturbing for anyone to have his or her personal space invaded.
Stay positive
Believing that your child with a disability has a bright future is one of the ways to help assure that they will.
Here's in the info from the NBC disability awareness Web page. It includes a video with Meredith Vieira (pictured), whose husband has MS.
